Demonically Tempted (Frostbite 2)

She laughed. It didn’t sound amused. “Is anything in your life normal?”

“No.” I shrugged. “But at least, it’ll be demon-free.”

Her features tightened with concern, as she backed into Zach’s embrace. He gave me a nod full of confidence and I returned it. What choice did I have? I’d signed up for this life the day I accepted to fulfill my abilities.

No matter where it took me now. I did believe Dane hadn’t led me astray, nor would he put me in the situation where the demon could hurt me. His advice had proved that he wanted to protect the people in Memphis, and me, even if he went about in a backward-ass way. And the spells Gretchen had given me would provide the protection I needed. I didn’t doubt that.

Max glanced over my face as I approached him. “Dane said that I should wait a block away from the scene to keep a good distance. The second this is over, or if you’re in any danger at all, you will call me. Understood?”

“If everything Dane told me was true, I won’t be in danger. So, there’s nothing to worry about.”

Max grunted, and was that guilt in his eyes? “Dane might know about some things, but that doesn’t mean he knows everything.”

A swell of emotion rose up and nearly hit the surface before I pushed it away. His guilt was easily understood. Max was the reason Da

ne came into my life. But I had needed to learn, so as far as I was considered he’d done nothing wrong. Dane would always remain at fault.

And Max was right, too. Dane knew nothing of love. Instead of voicing my agreement, I said, “Just give me a minute. I need to gather my things.”

At Max’s nod, I headed over to the couch and grabbed my wand from under my pillow. I’d done as Gretchen instructed and kept it close. It might have been strange, but wherever I had gone it went with me. I wasn’t about to screw this up.

Caley gasped. “What is that?”

I considered telling her, but simply said, “You don’t want to know. Trust me.”

She clearly agreed since she didn’t press me further. I entered the kitchen, grabbed the bag off the table that held the rest of the items from Gretchen, and my notes.

“Ready?” Max asked after I returned to him. At my nod, he continued, “Good.” He turned on his heels, strode out through the front door, and left it open for me.

I followed, then glanced at Caley, who gripped Zach’s shirt with her hands. “Hurry back, okay?”

Zach, as always gave his reassuring smile, then I focused on Caley. “Let’s hope I won’t need an exorcism.”

She frowned. “That’s not funny, Tess.”

No it wasn’t. And I hoped it wasn’t true. I gave a little smile in hopes it’d settle her. Seeing that it did nothing to ease her tension, I exhaled, long and deep, then stepped out of my condo, closing the door behind me.

Max waited at the end of the hallway and held the front door open. His features warmed as he offered a kind smile. “You’ll be okay, Tess. You know that right?”

I nodded. “Gretchen said as much.”

“No.” He shook his head, adamantly. “Not that.” He cupped my shoulder, and his touch settled some of the tension in my muscles. “But I have no doubt you’ll do fine today.” His gaze became stern and serious. “I meant with Kipp.”

“How can I be?” I whispered, demanding the emotion that still hung right on the edge of my soul threatening to escape to stay hidden. “He’s gone.”

“But he might come back.”

I pushed every ounce of what I sensed, what I believed, to the surface of my expression, and squeezed his arm. “I’m sorry, Max. He won’t.” I lowered my hand, hurried down the steps, and tried to ignore the sadness in his eyes.

I might have lost Kipp, but the men around me, his fellow comrades, had all lost him for the second time.

My heart wasn’t the only one breaking now.

Chapter Nineteen

The hot sun warmed me as the scents of busy city wafted through my nose. Maybe even heightened since the garbage bins were just to my right.

Max followed me around the side of my condominium to where the air-conditioning units were located. He gave me a puzzled look. “You’ve placed the contraption here?”